Is Restaurant Associates a good company to work for?

Restaurant Associates has an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5, based on over 712 reviews left anonymously by employees. This rating has decreased by 10% over the last 12 months. 71% of employees would recommend working at Restaurant Associates to a friend and 74% have a positive outlook for the business. The best reviews about Restaurant Associates have been left by employees working as General Manager , Executive Chef and Assistant General Manager .

Does Restaurant Associates pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Restaurant Associates employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.7 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Restaurant Associates. This rating has decreased by 12% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at Restaurant Associates?

71% of Restaurant Associates employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated Restaurant Associates 3.9 out of 5 for work life balance, 3.9 for culture and values and 4.0 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at Restaurant Associates?

Executive Chef (35) , General Manager (34) , Butler (25) , Cook (21) , Director (20) , Cafe Manager (19) , Manager (19) , Sous Chef (18) , Catering Manager (17) , Line Cook (13) , Chef (12) , Assistant General Manager (11) , Food Service Director (8) , Regional Director of Operations (8) , Catering Attendant (7)

What are the pros of working at Restaurant Associates according to real employee reviews?

"Good benefits when in union unit" ((in 66 reviews)); "Great people to work with" ((in 38 reviews)); "The pay is good and reliable." ((in 36 reviews)); "Great leadership and systems in place to succeed." ((in 17 reviews)); "Lots of overtime, great team to work with" ((in 10 reviews))

What are the cons of working at Restaurant Associates according to real employee reviews?

"Poor management; corner" ((in 32 reviews)); "Managers are horrible, they look for a reason to fire you before you get into the union" ((in 18 reviews)); "Little to no work life balance" ((in 14 reviews)); "Long hours and you pay for parking" ((in 14 reviews)); "Long hours are expected, sometimes no support." ((in 10 reviews))

What are employees saying about Restaurant Associates layoffs in 2026?

Explore Glassdoor’s employee reviews to understand what current and former employees are saying about Restaurant Associates layoffs and their outlook for job security at Restaurant Associates in 2026.

What are the top reviewed Restaurant Associates locations?

New York , Washington , Boston , Kennett Square , Cambridge , Philadelphia , Atlanta , Wilmington , McLean , Chicago , Jersey City , Weehawken , Hyde Park , Ann Arbor , Knoxville , Kennet Sq , Richmond , Leesburg , Clifton Park , Los Angeles , Baltimore , Tysons Corner , Bound Brook , Newark , Princeton , Trenton , Blacksburg , Arlington , Lorton , Albany

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Restaurant Associates

Part of Compass Group USA

Restaurant Associates reviews

3.9

71% would recommend to a friend

(683 total reviews)

Ed Brown

73% approve of CEO

74% positive business outlook

Ratings by category

4.2

Diversity & inclusion

4.0

Career opportunities

3.9

Culture & values

3.9

Work/Life balance

3.7

Compensation and benefits

3.4

Senior management

Restaurant Associates has an employee rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars, based on 683 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Restaurant Associates employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Restaurants & Food Service industry (3.7 stars).

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

Reviews by job title

683 reviews

1.0

Apr 15, 2024

Wacky company

Sous chef

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

8$ a week for lunch 30% off at sketchers 1-3% increase on pay per year Low skill effort

Cons

Managers that acts like kids and got nasty attitudes Dealing with entitled customers! 1-3% pay increase Rude customers No bonuses :) Get ready to work

Restaurant Associates Response

I am so terribly sorry that the last 10 years of your experience with R/A has not been met our with our Culture of CARE. Would appreciate to hear more about your individual experience at info@restauartnassociates.com and further what we can do help with training in your unit.

5.0

Apr 3, 2024

Great place to work

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

At R/A, we're not just employees; we're ambassadors for providing our guests and clients with exceptional service. Every day, I witness the dedication and talent of our team as we strive to exceed our expectations. The attention to detail, from meticulously prepared dishes to personalized guest interactions, sets us apart. I'm honored to contribute to a company that goes above and beyond to ensure satisfaction and create memorable moments for everyone involved.

Cons

No cons. Since joining R/A, I've experienced unparalleled career growth and learning opportunities.

Restaurant Associates Response

Thank you for rating R/A a 5! We are especially happy to hear that your experience exemplifies our Core Values of Premium Quality and Caring for our People that are at the heart of what we believe in. Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know that your experience has been so positive

5.0

Apr 3, 2024

Made a Lifer out of me!!!

Operation management

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Many opportunities for growth. Great Benefits. Culinary Excellence. Amazing Chef leading the team.

Cons

Not many, of course we can all be better communicators.

Restaurant Associates Response

Hello Atlanta! We are so excited that you have chosen Restaurant Associates and took the time to let us know that your 10+ years with the R/A Family has been so positive. We are especially happy to hear of your confidence in R/A associate career development & growth model. Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know that your experience has been so positive. I know our HR Team is heading to you soon! Be on the look out for more training! thank you

Viewing 76 - 78 of 683 Reviews

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Ratings by category

Ratings by demographic groups

Reviews by job title

Wacky company

Great place to work

Made a Lifer out of me!!!

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